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A Man Called Ove: A Novel Audiobook
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(4.79) - 24 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Now a major motion picture A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks!
#1 New York Times bestseller—more than 3 million copies sold!
Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon—the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?
Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.
Fredrik Backman’s beloved first novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. “If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year,’ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down” (Booklist, starred review).
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"Good writer, good writing style and development of characters. Even funny is some places. However, very overdone is this quintessential grumpy old man with a golden heart. He complains about everything and some of the same stuff multiple times for 29 chapters. The author made his point in the first three chapters. Pros are the characters - the neighbors. The last 7 chapters were enjoyable. I finished book b/c I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I thought this book was, for the most part, horrible."
— Christy (5 out of 5 stars)
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“A charming debut…You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll feel new sympathy for the curmudgeons in your life. You’ll also want to move to Scandinavia, where everything’s cuter.”
— People -
“A funny crowd-pleaser that serves up laughs to accompany a thoughtful reflection on loss and love…The author writes with winning charm.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“Readers seeking feel-good tales with a message will rave about the rantings of this solitary old man with a singular outlook. If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year,’ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“Narrator J. K. Simmons could read the Cheesecake Factory menu and make it entertaining…Simmons delivers Ove’s emergence from his shell with an arched eyebrow and a knowing tone…Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile -
Narrator J.K. Simmons could read the Cheesecake Factory menu and make it entertaining. So taking on Ove, the grumpy but hurting old man in this novel, allows Simmons to mine the vein of deep emotions embedded in this novel. Ove, the epitome of a curmudgeon, is brought out of his grief-induced shell by a colorful cast of lovable neighbors. Simmons imbues this international bestseller with both a playful tone and the pain of heartbreak as circumstances challenge Ove's strict rules and principles. Simmons delivers Ove's emergence from his shell with an arched eyebrow and a knowing tone. Backman's exploration of how one life impacts those of countless others provides insights into the human potential for growth and love."
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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Finalist for the Audie Award for Best Narration
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Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award
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A New York Times Bestseller in Audio
A Man Called Ove Listener Reviews
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" It shows how some people think in Europe, Solve problems "
— Sm, 4/30/2023 -
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Pham Van, 2/26/2023
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ettore indiano, 11/4/2022
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Amany Haddad, 5/31/2022
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Dolly Parker, 5/17/2022
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sonia mcvean, 10/27/2021
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Thomas Sawyers, 10/22/2021
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bita fillipi, 9/9/2021
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Peter Gogl, 8/1/2021
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Janelle, 6/3/2021
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Amy Lo, 5/1/2021
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Gloria Swaine, 3/8/2020
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Philip Oxman, 5/3/2018
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" This is one of the best novels I've ever read. This book is a great reminder that being kind can mean the difference in someone's life. After hearing about Ove's losses throughout his life, it's easy to see how he can be so grumpy. Funny. Sad. Sarcastic. Sweet. All wrapped up in one great book! It was so good, I listened to it independently and then listened to it again with my family. We all enjoyed it! "
— Julie, 4/17/2018 -
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kim topping, 10/3/2017
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" A very heartwarming story. A really great reminder that kindness can make a world of difference. "
— 9/8/2017 -
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Louise LaPoint, 8/23/2017
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" Funny, Sad, Quirky. Roller coaster of emotions all wrapped up in a well-written fun story. "
— Jill, 3/21/2017 -
" A Man called Ove written by Fredrik Backman and read by George Newbern was simply fantastic. In the fashion of the Girl with the Dragon tatoo (yet not as dark) the Swedish really know how to tell a story. Ove is a good guy without ever compromising what is right. He is simple yet strong. Both physically and mentally. He's a grouchy older man and doesn't care. It's what's lovable about him and why people are drawn to him. You'll love this charming tale. BTW...be prepared to cry at the end. "
— Chap, 3/20/2017 -
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Connie Elness, 11/15/2016
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" Loved it! One cannot help but understand and love Ove and his "black and white" world. Despite his singular outlook, he teaches acceptance in the most rudimentary way. "
— Dolly, 11/14/2016 -
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Kristie, 8/31/2016
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" Just enjoyed it...funny, sarcastic and good change of pace. "
— Gaye, 6/2/2016 -
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Edward Aragon, 11/11/2015
About Fredrik Backman
Fredrik Backman is a Swedish author of the New York Times bestselling novel Beartown, as well as A Man Called Ove, and My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, and Britt-Marie Was Here, among others. His books are published in more than forty countries and have sold more than ten million copies.
About J. K. Simmons
J. K. Simmons is an American actor and voice talent. He has had roles in four Broadway productions and has had many roles in television series, including the role of police psychiatrist Dr. Emil Skoda on three incarnations of Law & Order. He has appeared in three Spider-Man movies and is also known for his role in Juno. Besides his audiobook narrations, he has done voice-over work for major television commercials.